Shannon here: Paula Peckham shares about accepting change, a recipe for Nate Newton’s Easy Corn Casserole, & a chance to win an e-book copy of her latest Historical Romance, Accepted (book 3 in her San Antonio series). Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing. Deadline: Dec 2nd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Paula:
A few weeks ago, I posted on my blog when my latest book, Accepted, went live. I asked, “What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever attempted?”
A subscriber, Mary Ann S. replied:
“Trying to learn how to play the guitar. No, wait. On second thought, I’d have to say attempting to stay married to a controlling narcissist for eighteen years. But that’s all behind me now. Presently, it is technology. Hubby Number 2 bought me a really nice camera. I couldn’t learn how to use it.
Most recently, the mechanic at the auto shop forgot to put the grommet back when he changed the oil in my car. The motor burned up because all the oil leaked out. I had to get a new vehicle. Don’t like it. It’s way too fancy. It actually bosses me around—beeps at me and sends me messages. I have no idea what it’s trying to communicate to me. I want my old car back. I’m attempting to learn how to get along with Puff (I named it, thinking I’d like it better). That’s not working. Now that I’m almost 80 years old, a lot of things require attention. But then what do I know? I can’t use a camera and I fight with a car.”
Adapting to change is difficult for many people, me included. (Who remembers the 2006 international bestseller Who Moved My Cheese?) I recently bought a new laptop because my old one got drenched when a rainstorm flooded our family camp-out. I awoke to find it soaking in two inches of rainwater in the corner of our tent. Despite the fact the backspace key had quit working long ago, and the laptop periodically froze, giving me a black screen of death which required a total reboot, I had resisted buying a new one because I was familiar with the one I had. I trudged into Best Buy, filled with dread. The keyboards on various computers are never quite the same, and I hate learning all their new quirks and shortcuts.
Quen is the female main character in my latest romance novel, Accepted. She is at loose ends since moving with her family to San Antonio, Texas, in 1864. She wants to help Jonathan, a local farmer struggling to keep his homestead out of the red. He, however, wants nothing to do with her, although her presence in his life, along with her brains and expertise, would make his life easier. You could pluck Jonathan, with his stubborn prejudice against something new, out of the story and insert me or Mary Ann. Or maybe one of you. As the story progresses, Quen and Jonathan learn to love each other.
God promises to guide us, even when we’re facing something different or challenging. Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.” When something new pops up in our path, and we’re nervous or uncertain about what to do next, we can rely on God to lead the way.
And may God give each of us the patience and courage to wade our way through new situations that make us uncomfortable, sticking it out until we can reach the blessing on the other side.
A few years back, I posted on my Facebook page, asking friends and followers to share the one dish considered a must-have to serve at Thanksgiving. I thought it was time to broaden my horizons. Try something new.
These were some of the entries:
Sweet potato casserole
Stuffing
Pecan pie
Cherry pie
Canederli (an Italian bread dumpling)
Spinach souffle
Nate Newton corn casserole
If you don’t live in Texas, you may not know who Nate Newton is. He played offensive guard for the Dallas Cowboys from 1986 to 1998. His nickname was “the Kitchen” because he was bigger than William “the Refrigerator” Perry of Chicago Bears fame. Supposedly, this casserole is one of his favorites. It’s pretty rich, so Nate may be able to blame some of those pounds on the dish. We serve it every year now. I hope you’ll try it, and maybe add to your list of Thanksgiving must-haves.
Nate Newton’s Easy Corn Casserole
1 (16 oz.) can creamed corn
1 (16 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 stick butter
1 (8 oz. carton sour cream)
1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
- Melt butter in a casserole dish in 400˚ oven.
- Add remaining ingredients to melted butter.
- Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden.
- Add chopped green chiles and/or grated cheese to casserole if you like.
Share with us your family favorites, especially if you think it will be a new experience for the average American Thanksgiving menu. We’ll all pinkie swear to swallow our misgivings and try something different.
Question for Readers: What’s the biggest change you’ve had to accept? How has God helped you accept change?
A fifth-generation Texan, Paula Peckham spent two decades teaching math. She divides her time between her home in Texas and Rio Bravo, Mexico. She and her husband, John, have four children and ten grandchildren.
Her debut novel, Protected, Book 1 in a series, was published in April 2022. It finaled in ACFW’s Genesis contest and won the gold medal in the 2022 Global Book Awards. Book 2, A Father’s Gift, finished third in the 2023 Selah contest. Book 3, Accepted, came out in October 2023. She published two Christmas anthologies in 2021. Learn more & connect:
Paula’s Website Paula’s Facebook Paula’s Twitter
Paula’s Threads Paula’s Instagram Paula’s Tiktok
About the book – Accepted:
Against the backdrop of the Civil War, spirited Quenby Martin despises the monotony and restrictions imposed on women. Then San Antonio’s most respectable widow befriends her. Unbeknownst to Quenby, her genteel companion harbors a life-risking secret.
Soon after, Quenby meets Jonathan Campbell, a Texan farmer struggling to make ends meet, and eagerly offers her help. Despite Jonathan’s reservations about trusting his future livelihood to the pretty young know-it-all, he accepts. As their relationship develops, Quenby’s confidence and knowledge lures Jonathan in.
Quen draws the attention of a bounty hunter, whose charms cannot hide his evil intentions. Danger puts Quen’s wavering belief in God to the test. With the hunter on her heels, she embarks on an important mission that inadvertently involves Jonathan in a web of kidnapping and murder. His efforts to keep her safe expose his growing feelings.
Will Quenby have enough courage to face the perils of standing up for what she believes in? And at what cost?
Immerse yourself in the Texas frontier in book three of the San Antonio series that vividly depicts love, faith, and bravery amid shifting societal times.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Paula’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now! Accepted Paula’s Books
Come back Nov 28th for Donna Schlachter!
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